Boy Scout Troop 677
Bead Program
The bead program is intended to encourage and recognize Boy Scout participation with troop programs. The major emphasis is on overnight camping. The bead program is based upon the 'Scout Honor System' with some adult supervision. "A Scout is Trustworthy" is the rule of the program. The troop committee keeps a history of troop events and beads but not individual Scout participation. Transferring Scouts without a bead program are given beads based upon their overnight history and significant events with their previous troop. Beads are usually given out at the troop meeting following an event but a scout can see any adult leader to update his Fob at any time after the beads have been awarded. Seasons are determined by the calendar - not the troop calendar. An overnight is required unless noted. Indoor sleeping (i.e. - cabins) are awarded fair weather beads only - no matter what the conditions may be.
LEATHER INFORMATION
Each Scout gets one piece of leather (fob) with "Boy Scout Troop 677' engraved on it. Leather strings are attached through the fob and knotted. The belt slides through this leather fob and it is worn on the right side of the pants. Both adults and Scouts may wear the beads.
There are three leather strings attached to the leather fob. The two outer strings are where participation beads are placed. The reason for two strings is in case one string is broken, the other acts as the record – or history - which is used to replace the broken string of beads.
Every time a bead is earned, the Scout takes two beads of the same color – one for each of the two outer activity strings. The new beads are placed on the bottom of each outer activity string – below previously awarded beads – and above any boot award. The center string is for the honor bead only – which are given out on a limited basis by the Scoutmaster.
BEAD INFORMATION
| Black | Rain in any season.
Represents mud, dark clouds, etc. Not issued for a summer camp or district Camporee |
| Orange | Fair weather in the fall. Represents fall colors, leaves, etc. |
| Green | Fair weather in the summer. Represents summer colors, grass, leaves, etc. |
| Pink | Fair weather in the spring. Represents spring colors, Dogwood trees, tulips, etc. |
| Blue | Fair weather in the winter. Represents that clear blue sky we notice and appreciate more during the winter months |
| Clear | Freeze-out. Scoutmaster leaves a glass of water out overnight. In the morning, if the water is frozen solid a freeze-out bead is given |
| White | Snow. 1" of snow required – Scoutmaster’s call |
| Canoe | Float Trip. No overnight required |
| Yellow | District Camporee
(worn on outer strings)
District Events, i.e. Scouting for Food (worn on center string) |
| Red | Summer camp. At least two overnights that session are required |
| Red Star | Summer camp leadership position (not awarded to an adult). A single red star is worn on the center honor string in addition to the two red summer camp beads worn on the outer strings. |
| Tan | Special patrol award. Exceptional patrol spirit or accomplishment. Given to entire patrol. Adult leadership to decide. |
| Purple | Service bead. Given to individual scouts for service work such as Scouting for Food, Troop Service Project, misc. |
| Dark Green with Green Star | JLTC. Beads on outer strings and Star in center for leadership as in summer camp. |
| Other Beads | Troop determines |
| Boots | Only one set of boots to be worn at a time - Boots with the highest mileage color designation. Boots should be worn at the bottom of each outer leather string. The red pony bead is to be worn directly above the boot. The red pony bead represents the Boy Scout sock’s red band. Miles hiked are accumulated – only scouting events count towards mileage – such as high adventure trips, troop hikes, etc. Bike Hikes count for half, i.e. 50 miles on a bike counts like 25 miles on foot. |
| Brown Boot | 10–49 miles hiked With red pony bead 50–74 miles hiked |
| Black Boot | 75 – 99 miles hiked With red pony bead 100 –149 miles hiked |
| Gold Boot | 150 –174 miles hiked With red pony bead 175+miles hiked |